According to recent data, 7 out of 10 solar panel shoppers express interest in adding a battery to their solar systems. A solar power installation represents quite a large investment, but it pays back in time. Major outlays include the panels, inverter & controller, and the electrician’s time to connect everything up correctly. And then there’s the cost of solar batteries themselves. At this stage of the project, we may face temptation to cut corners. Please don't!

In a future post, we will explain the correct process of designing a solar power system - including the perfect size of your battery bank.

The Battery Technology

The four main types of solar batteries are; Lead Acid, Lithium ion, Nickel-cadmium and Flow batteries. Lead acid batteries have been around for the longest time and are known for their low prices and reliability, but they require regular maintenance. Despite being expensive, lithium ion batteries are becoming the most popular choice for residential solar batteries because they have a long lifespan and require no maintenance. Nickel cadmium batteries are more popular for commercial-scale projects because they can operate at extreme temperatures and don’t require complex battery management systems. Flow batteries are large in size and very expensive, which is why this emerging battery technology is mostly used for large-scale battery storage.

In all the four categories, you want to select a battery that is affordable yet still gives you a considerable lifespan. Improved versions of the Lead acid batteries can easily serve a client for over 7 years at a relatively competitive price. A good example is the Renergy PVC batteries.

Sealed vs Flooded

Flooded lead-acid batteries are the ones with removable caps you have to top up from time to time. Sealed ones have their electrolyte in a stable gel or fiberglass mat inside.  Flooded batteries are cheaper, but that is where the benefits end. Every few months, you have to to up the electrolyte with distilled water. PVC gel batteries, for instance, have fiberglass mat inside rather than traditional liquid electrolyte. This enhances the performance of the battery under extreme temperatures and terrain - thus improving its longevity and value for the client.

Warranty

Similar to your laptop or cell phone battery, solar batteries degrade over time: as you continue to use and charge your battery, it loses the ability to hold a charge. Fortunately, solar battery manufacturers provide warranties that guarantee the performance of a battery to a certain level. It is also provides assurance that the manufacturer is confident with the quality of their products. Lithium ion batteries have the longest warranties of up to 10 years. Lead acid batteries have the shortest lifespans and therefore have a one year warranty. However, some companies that manufacture improved lead acid batteries provide a two-year warranty. Such companies include Renergy Batteries.

Lifespan

Home solar battery units last anywhere between 3 and 15 years. If you decide to install a solar battery today, it’s almost certain you’ll need a replacement in the future to match the 25- to 30-year lifespan of your solar power system. Therefore, select batteries that will only result to one replacement during the entire lifespan of your solar power system. Also, consider batteries that are modular and can later be upgraded to provide extra capacity.

Effects of the Initial Cost

Batteries are the most expensive component in the solar installation matrix. In as much as all clients want the best technology that offers 15 years lifespan budget constraints limit ability to purchase. Therefore, when sourcing for solar batteries, select products that are affordable, while still ticking the boxes of good technology, maintenance and longevity. Decide whether to buy a cheap product and regret after a few months or invest in something that will guarantee peace of mind. That said, price should not be the first the that drives the customers decision. Get a product that has a 2-year minimum warranty and will serve you for 8-12 years.

Megapower is a renewable energy company that values quality and commitment product & service longevity. We only stock products that add value to our clients.

Get in touch with one of our engineers for free expert advice before sourcing solar products and installation services

Megapower for Energy Solutions and Contracting

Pili Trade Centre, Ground Floor, Mombasa Road

P.O. Box 37886-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Office: +254718 722 222

10 Questions to Ask A Solar Company Before Going Solar

Oct. 14, 2022

Installing solar panels is a safe investment with a high return for Massachusetts homeowners. But as with any major investment, it’s important to do your research before making a final decision. Getting answers to all your questions before going solar will help you make the best decision for your home and ensure you receive the highest return on your investment. 

Here are 10 questions to ask before installing solar panels in Massachusetts: 

1. How do solar panels work? 

Before investing in a solar panel installation, you should learn a little bit about how solar panels work. You don’t have to master all the technical details, but having a basic understanding will be extremely helpful as you move forward with your solar journey. 

Here’s an overview of how solar panels produce energy: 

1. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels absorb sunlight, creating an electric current. 
2. The current is directed toward an inverter, which transforms it into usable electricity. 
3. The electricity is sent to your electrical panel and distributed throughout your home. 
4. Excess electricity is either sent to the grid or stored in a solar battery. 

2. Is my house right for solar? 

Almost any homeowner in Massachusetts can benefit from solar panels, but some houses are better suited to a rooftop solar installation than others. Before you install a home solar system, you should consider which direction your roof faces (south-facing roofs are typically best for solar panels), how much roof space you have available, and whether there are any shading concerns like surrounding trees. 

3. How much money will I save with solar panels? 

Solar panels save you money on your utility bills by allowing you to produce your own electricity. But before you invest in a home solar system installation, you should make sure your electricity bill is high enough to justify going solar. 

In most cases, installing solar panels makes financial sense–as long as you’re using an average amount of electricity, you’ll save money with solar panels. If your electric bills are about $50 or less, however, solar might not be worth it for the electricity bill savings alone, unless you’re planning to electrify your home. 

4. Should I install solar batteries? 

Solar batteries are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners, and you’ll want to consider installing them when you go solar. It’s possible to add solar batteries after you install solar panels, but it’s easier and more affordable to install them at the same time. 

Solar batteries will add to your solar installation costs, but the benefits are worth it. With battery storage, you’ll be able to keep your solar panels on during a grid outage, helping you avoid blackouts. Batteries can also be used as a backup power source at night, so you can use more clean energy.  

5. How much do solar panels cost? 

You can’t make a decision about installing solar panels until you know how much it’s going to cost. Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Home solar installation costs can vary significantly depending on how much electricity you use, the slope and design of your roof, the type and number of panels you want to install, whether you include solar battery storage, and many other factors. 

Scheduling a consultation with a reliable solar installer near you is the best way to get an accurate solar installation cost estimate. At Boston Solar, we analyze your home and your recent electric bills so we can provide the most accurate quote possible. 

6. Do solar panels qualify for tax credits? 

There are several solar incentives available to make home solar and battery installation more affordable, and you don’t want to miss out on any! Finding out which rebates and incentives you qualify for will help you get the best deal on your solar installation. 

Home solar and battery installation qualifies for the federal solar tax credit. With the credit, you can get a tax break worth 30% of your total costs, making solar panel installation and ownership significantly more affordable. Other incentives, like net metering, SMART, and ConnectedSolutions, can make your solar installation even more financially rewarding. 

7. Can I finance my solar panels? 

Nearly all residential solar installation companies offer financing and many homeowners take advantage of it. Financing makes it easier to pay for a solar installation and is a much better option than leasing solar panels. When you finance your solar energy system, you are its owner and remain eligible for all applicable tax breaks and incentives. 

Boston Solar can speak to financing options to help you get past the hurdle of upfront solar installation costs. 

8. Do solar panels come with a warranty? 

Most solar panels come with a manufacturer’s warranty and, depending on the installation company, a workmanship warranty. Solar warranties give you peace of mind and help protect your investment in solar energy. 

At Boston Solar, we back our installations with a 25-year solar panel and inverter warranty and a 10-year workmanship guarantee. 

9. How much experience does your solar installation company have? 

When you’re researching solar companies near you in Massachusetts, experience is an important factor to consider. You want to make sure the installer you choose knows what they’re doing and won’t be using your solar panel installation as a practice run. 

Boston Solar has been in business for more than 10 years and installed over 5,000 solar energy systems. We know the ins and outs of solar installation in Massachusetts and will take care of your project seamlessly, from system design and permitting to installation, net metering application, and grid interconnection. 

10. Can you provide testimonials? 

Reading reviews and testimonials is one of the best ways to vet a solar company and decide whether you want to work with them. Past customers can provide valuable insights that you won’t get from company representatives. 

Boston Solar has a 4.8-star rating with over 800 Google reviews. We encourage you to read our customer testimonials and take a look at our completed residential solar projects to see why so many Massachusetts homeowners have trusted us with their solar panel installations. 

Schedule a free home solar consultation! Call 617-858-1645 or self-schedule online today.